It is important to realize that no matter how big or strong someone is, and no matter what their intent is, it is possible to stop them from harming another human being. We as humans are very resilient, but the people who prey on others tend to forget that even they have weaknesses that can be exploited for effect.

I have pretty much no problem agreeing with the whole list , and have never seen such a simple , well put together and accurate list , pretty much point for point what I personally think is simple reliable and effective.

a couple of minor bits I may disagree with but it would be nitpicking

Brachial plexus clavicle notch pressure point. This center is behind thecollarbone in a hollow about halfway between the breastbone and theshoulder joint. The strike should be delivered with a small-impact weaponor the tip of the thumb to create high-level mental stunning and dysfunctionof the affected arm.

pretty much what I was advocating as a gouge on Henrys thread , I think it a very good point about impacting with the thumb , when I form the cranes beak the thumb leads the fingertips equally. As a gouge you can grab the trap and put them down fast , this stuff really does work.

It is important to realize that no matter how big or strong someone is, and no matter what their intent is, it is possible to stop them from harming another human being. We as humans are very resilient, but the people who prey on others tend to forget that even they have weaknesses that can be exploited for effect.

Awesome point , I think martial arts should really emphasise this , I don't really understand the confidence some people have , as bad luck can be the end of any of us , the ability to take someone out should be balanced with the appreciation how fragile life is and how serious it is.

The caveats of the danger of martial arts should not be needed everytime you fight it is potentially lethal regardless of skill level and should be approached as such.... last resort.

Stryke: "the ability to take someone out should be balanced with the appreciation how fragile life is and how serious it is."

Life is meaningless if it is not appreciated. How fragile life is and how serious it is, would be a good mindset in which to practice kata. And may we experience every aspect of our lives in the same sense.

fivedragons wrote:Stryke: "the ability to take someone out should be balanced with the appreciation how fragile life is and how serious it is."

Life is meaningless if it is not appreciated. How fragile life is and how serious it is, would be a good mindset in which to practice kata. And may we experience every aspect of our lives in the same sense.

And of course that leads to how we must treasure and protect it ...... so were not completely lotus when the phsyco Muppets cometh

The caveats of the danger of martial arts should not be needed everytime you fight it is potentially lethal regardless of skill level and should be approached as such.... last resort.

I think Stryke also means, unless I misread, that the caveat goes both ways.

Anybody can be had and this includes 'us' regardless of how tough, and how skilled, we think we are empty handed or with weapons.

Needless to say, there is a tendency for trained martial artists, to 'stand their ground, _ or fall easy prey to the ever present 'provocations of life'_something that I call the 'but for' rule. 'But for' your training and 'confidence' or 'saving face' ...you will engage in a fight, or even go looking for one_ instead of just backing off.

And this insidious mind set has a way of continuing into the aging process, imperceptibly, where your body is no longer 'what it used to be' in so many ways we may even deny.

I recall an old story...several newly 'crowned shodans' in Uechi...many moons ago...wanting to prove themselves...went looking for a fight down the then Boston's 'combat zone'...

Right on Stryke. Some here might recall the case I investigated that occurred in the Roxbury area of Ma...not a very safe place...where a young karate black belt was ambushed in a stairwell by a Jamaican ganbanger, the former boyfriend of his girl who lived on the top floor of the building.

It is fine to 'strut' feeling almost invincible by the training one may have received, but death is always around the corner.

The black belt didn't have a chance against the ruthless attacker who cut his throat from ear to ear in the midst of his desperate shouts for help that nobody responded to.

When I was in the building the next morning to investigate, blood was still spattered on the walls and ceiling and tenants were terrified to open their doors and say anything.

The few that spoke to me described a night of horrors. And none dared open their doors to try to help the hapless victim, frozen in abject fear.

The tenants felt terrified of consequences, and ashamed. There was a pall of gloom, a state of melancholy _ depression...and despondency in the whole building.

Hard to imagine what it was like unless you were there. One significant example of how extreme violence will grip men's souls.